Proof of Cruelty Essential for Dowry Death Presumption: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court held that mere demand for dowry or valuables, without proof of cruelty or harassment, cannot attract the offence of dowry death under Section 304B IPC.

The Court emphasized that prosecution must establish unnatural death, cruelty linked to dowry demand, and a proximate nexus “soon before death.”

In the present case, absence of medical evidence and vague allegations weakened the prosecution’s case.

The Court ruled that suspicion or mere demand is insufficient, and set aside the conviction, reiterating strict proof requirements in criminal law.

[Mewa Lal & Ors. v. State of UP]